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IRL launches R&D business booster
Industrial Research Ltd (IRL) has launched Scientist for a Day, offering the services of some of its world-class scientists and engineers as part of an innovative programme aimed at demonstrating the benefits of research and development to New Zealand businesses.
New Zealand businesses are invited to apply to take part in the programme, designed to encourage them to think about what R&D can do for them, and whether their R&D is focussed in the right areas.
Between August and 23 December, IRL experts will engage with successful applicants in a hands-on and face-to-face technical interaction that can take place either at their business location or at an IRL laboratory. IRL can follow up with a business potential for innovation report.
The visit can focus on anything: an existing problem, analysing and improving a product or process, developing an opportunity, evaluating the potential for innovation, or any other specific, well-defined idea.
IRL Chief Executive Shaun Coffey says Scientist for a Day aims to encourage more New Zealand companies to think about how R&D can improve their productivity and profitability.
"By applying to take part in Scientist for a Day, companies can gain insight in the role R&D can play in boosting revenue growth and transforming their business," Shaun Coffey says.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O'Reilly says Scientist for a Day is a golden opportunity for Kiwi firms.
“Partnering science with business to turn ideas into profit is key to helping secure a brighter future for New Zealand and taking us up the OECD rankings.
“This is an extremely valuable opportunity for firms, and I urge all businesses to investigate. It could unlock untapped potential that makes the difference between a great idea and securing a world-leading market position.”
The Scientist for a Day programme is just one of a range of IRL activities aimed at boosting the level of the private sector R&D in New Zealand. These include IRL's What's Your Problem New Zealand? competition, its Co-Investment Programme and its part in the Technology Transfer Voucher scheme.
"Key international studies demonstrate persuasively that there is a positive correlation between the level of R&D spend by a company and their sales growth, productivity and market value," says Shaun Coffey.
To find out more about IRL and the programme and to apply, visit the website www.irl.cri.nz/scientist-day.
Release Date:
11 May, 2011